The side effects of the covid health crisis on the mediated sociabilities of the French

This article analyses the use of ICT during the Covid health crisis to determine which communication systems the French chose to use to stay in touch with friends and family. Drawing on a two-stage survey (n=16,224 and n=3,620) and a series of interviews (n=30), we show that the increase in ICT use during this period varied, based on gender—with a clear predominance of women—, age, and level of education. We also highlight the more significant increase in the use of the the most socially engaging ICT channels (phone calls, text messages and video calls) among individuals with strong ties (parents, children, and close friends). Respondents maintained weak ties (with colleagues, members of civil society organizations, friends of friends) using ICTs involving less social presence, and through online discussion groups and the pervasive awareness that social media users acquire on those platforms.